example of problem statement in research proposal pdf

example of problem statement in research proposal pdf

The Importance of Problem Statements in Research Proposals

1. Introduction

Problem statement is the very important aspect in any research activity. In the proposal, it is inevitable to write on the most of the problems that we are going to solve. Even in thesis and dissertation also we are writing to solve the problems that exist in certain conditions with detailed and depth investigation. During the research process, it may contain several problems and to solve it we must know the source of the problem and why this problem arises and what should we do to solve the problem. These questions can be answered with making the problem statement. Problem statement is a way to make the problems be understood in detail so the others that read the statement will know all about the problems. ID WBS Interface Training Information System Project Proposed this is a look of sample in making the problem statements. This is a project to make an interface training information system in ITB. This system will help students to know more about what they should take when they want to follow a training program. But not all of the students know about the program because the information is limited. The source of the problem is in access of the student to the training program information. By knowing this problem, we can take the first step to solve it. The next question is why does this happen? Because the information is spread throughout the campus with no clear guidance. Then the other question appears: what problems will appear if the students still don’t get the information? By asking these a lot of questions, we can find the real problems that become the root of the problem. By knowing the source of the problem, we can take the best way to solve it.

2. Background and Significance

On the other hand, a problem that is not clearly stated is difficult to solve and it’s in all likelihood not the right problem to be working on. This can be a setback for a novice researcher who has an unrefined research idea. A problem statement also sets the tone for the reader. The reader is enticed to go on reading the research idea with the hope that the problem stated can be solved. Last but not least, a problem statement can be a convenient tool to help the decision-making process. At any juncture during the research, a review of the problem statement can help keep the researcher on the right track.

There are a variety of ways to induce a person to do something. One of which is to make a person see a need and understand the importance of something. The same goes with writing a research proposal. Before a person is to accept your research proposal, the person would have to see its worthiness and rightfulness to the relevant field. A research proposal is the rational presentation of a research idea, its validity and the manner in which it envisions to accomplish the goal. It demonstrates the plan of the study that will help to steer off course the problematic areas which are a hurdle to reach the goal. A research proposal involves a set of activities that will lead to the solving of a problem. Therefore, a problem statement is vital to the proposal. A problem statement can be formulated through concise and logical identification of the general research domain and the specific issue within the domain is the first step in articulating a research problem. This move involves an exploration of the reasons for wanting to tackle the problem or issue in the first place. A convincing problem statement will help the research idea and the proposal to flow. The reason it is called a problem statement is because it has not been demonstrated that the proposed activity will solve the problem.

Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews. They must provide persuasive evidence that a need exists for the proposed study. In addition to providing rationale for the proposed research, the proposal must describe a detailed methodology for conducting the research – a methodology consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field. This article is a step-by-step guide to writing a research proposal. This article will go through the basic concepts and terminologies in research design usually for master students before they can come out with their own research proposal.

3. Problem Statement

Throughout the proposal, the terminology of the problem is used. A problem statement details what will be studied. It is a description of difficulties or issues that need to be addressed. Once a problem is identified, one or more solutions are developed, and the decision regarding which one is the best to undertake. Thus, the problem statement is included in both the proposal and the feasibility report. It is the key part in establishing the focus of the study. A concise problem statement that is well-defined will lay the foundation for a strong proposal. The problem statement should be logical, clear, and well-articulated. The reader should be able to imagine the problem, and if it has been done correctly, the reader will have an understanding of the problem even before reading the report. If the reader loses sight of the problem, it is likely the report will be set aside, or a decision on the unsatisfactory report will be made.

4. Objectives and Research Questions

The development of clear objectives, linked to intended outcomes, is essential. There is a single outcome for a research project – the production of a thesis. It might then seem pragmatic to define a research question, but this can be more difficult than first envisaged. Objectives are generally more precise than an open question and some hypotheses will have been generated in advance. These will provide a focus for the research and steer the direction of the study to address the issue posed. Remember a research project might take a few years to complete. Issues might change or become too convoluted to address in the initial scope of the question. So it is important at all times to remain within the confines of the objectives and avoid wasting time on superfluous issues. A clear focus will make the work easier to write, and ultimately, easier to read. High quality written work will justifiably score higher marks.

5. Conclusion

The final and most critical aspect of a problem statement is that it must be a statement. That is, it should convey one basic idea. This idea should not be posed as a question. If it is, it will need to be reworded in question format at the purpose of the study. If a problem is not clearly stated, it cannot be tested.

The problem statement only gives the most general and overall reason for doing the research. It is important to make a problem statement as specific as possible. That doesn’t mean that the problems stated should be narrow. In fact, they should be broad enough to gain interest in the topic but narrow enough to make the research feasible. This is the reason that there may be too many research questions within a single problem. A good problem is an issue or difficulty of some significance, urgency, and interest. In stating a problem, it is important to create an interest in the mind of the reader. This will give the research the enthusiasm to continue and stay focused on the task at hand.

In a research proposal, the importance of the problem statement is that it gives the framework for the entire study. Research problems identify a “gap” in current knowledge and provide a purpose for the study. They are usually the first and most important component of the research as they determine what the research will address (Yin, 1989). Problem statements are critical to the success of a research proposal because they define which specific aspects of a topic the research will address. If the problem statement is unclear or too broad, it will be much more difficult to frame and complete the study. If the problem is too narrow, the study will be limited in its scope. In any case, the study will likely lose focus and direction.